Lowepro 200AW at Disneyworld - Good/Bad?

[killer_tofu]

Hey folks,

I'm thinking whether I should take my Lowepro 200AW to Disneyworld. Is the bag too big? We're thinking of going on all the rides and I haven't been there before. Can we take the 200AW on rides with us?

Just curious because I'll be taking my 18-55 and 50mm f/1.8. Wondering if I should take a smaller bag...

Thanks for your opinion,

kt

[_aravena]

^With just that you could get away with a real little bag. I have this tiny bag for my film gear, about $10 was the cost of the bag...surprisingly holds 20D with 18-50 F2.8, 10-20, and 430EX. I'd say go find a smaller bag for that little of gear. Even the 100AW was a lot.

[King of Canada]

I think that the decision comes down to 2 things.

1) Are you going tobe switchin glenses a lot? I have the Slingshot 200, and even though I like the bag a lot, it's almost useless if you are going to be switching lenses (I'm getting a Crumpler 7MDH).

and

2) Any backpack style bag may not be great if you are going to be going on rides. I say this because, just imagine what it is like to climb into a car with a full backpack on. A small messenger style bag may be better.

Hope this helps!

[tmonatr]

2) Any backpack style bag may not be great if you are going to be going on rides. I say this because, just imagine what it is like to climb into a car with a full backpack on.
You could just leave your bag with someone still in line, and then get it back when you're done with the ride. Just look into everyone's eyes and find the trustworthy one. Problem solved.:D Honestly, I have the 200AW and I wouldn't hesitate to bring to Disneyland, but, yeah it is a little big for what your talking about bringing, and I wouldn't bring it on any looping rollercoasters.

[gecko3s]

killer,

Are you going to have more than one day at Disney World? If so, you might want to consider leaving the camera or taking a p&s for one day,and bring the nice gear the next. There are a TON of rides there (it will take most if not all day to get them, and there is one ride (Splash Mountain) that you will get wet on, and it would mean risking your gear getting wet.

The other option, if you have a child, go get a child switch pass from the fastpass line, then only one of you goes, rides, the other comes back and switches the kid, and the gear, and then rides.

Just food for thought

edit: if you're considering Tim's suggestion of leaving it with someone else, you might as well just throw it in the dumpster, because you will never see it again!:p

[killer_tofu]

Hi folks,

Thanks for getting back to me. Great ideas by the way (not as crazy about giving my bag to someone in the line.... but an idea nonetheless... lol)

I will be going with my wife. The original plan was I'd be the DSLR dude and she rocks the Canon SD700 P&S.

I won't be switching lenses very often. It would be the 18-55mm during the day, and swapping in the the 50mm f/1.8 at night for the fireworks and such (probably around dinner time at the restaurant). So I would still need to carry both lenses with me (maybe I could secure one of the lenses in a locker or something?)....

The 200AW is starting to sound aweful big to be carrying around the park all day. Especially considering the rides. I thought I could tuck them under the seat or hold it tight in my lap or something...

I DO have a smaller Lowepro case which fits one DSLR body and an attached compact lens (i.e. either the 18-55mm or 50mm would fit... not sure about both). Do you think that's much better suited for DW?

We're there for 10 days, but I really would like to have my DSLR with me each of those days.

Man, you guys/girls are awesome. :D Thnx for all ur help.

kt.

[ben_r_]

Thats exactly the type of photographing the slingshots were made for! Yes Id say leave the 18-55 on there and take it! And for what its worth you might have been able to get away with the smaller lighter Slingshot 100 AW instead of the 200... It should fit the a non 1D body with the 18-55 no problem.

[SoundsGood]

I say go with a smaller bag. Maybe a little shoulder bag. It'll just be easier at D-world.

[gecko3s]

They do have lockers for rent, so that is an option. Keep in mind that the storage space that's available on some of the rides is about the size for a baseball hat and a pair of sunglasses...There's only one ride with a good chance of getting wet (Splash Mtn.) and a couple where there is water splashing about, and it may or may not get you (Thunder Mtn, Pirates of the Carribean and the Jungle Cruise). (Did I mention I love Disney?) So if you have a small grocery store sized plastic bag in your camera bag, it might not hurt to have it available for those rides.

[SoundsGood]

There's only one ride with a good chance of getting wet (Splash Mtn.) and a couple where there is water splashing about, and it may or may not get you (Thunder Mtn, Pirates of the Carribean and the Jungle Cruise).
You'll get soaked on the River Rapids ride at Animal Kingdom. ;)

[killer_tofu]

Lol... thanks for the heads up on the wet rides.

According to AllEarsNet, Splash Mountain will be closed for refurbishment the time we are there. Real bummer. :(

In the end, I'm taking my Lowepro 200AW and its smaller one-body+lens cousin along. I'll go on a few rides and if it really does suck with the 200AW, I'll just swap it for the smaller one back at the resort. No sweat... it's vacation... time to relax and take it easy. :)

We don't have kids (unless you count me and my wife) and we plan on visiting EVERY ride (literally). So I'm beginning to question the practicality of the 200AW.... but I'll give it a chance for sure. I love that bag.

Do any of you actually take a tri-pod along with you? Does that even make sense? I can see some beautiful night shots of Cinderella's castle and the fireworks... but any tips on using a tri-pod at DW?

Again, thanks for all the feedback!

[Woolburr]

Leave the DSLR at home and use the P&S...too much to do...too many people and too much hassle to carry a big camera and bag...

[slimninj4]

Disney world is a LONG day. Try to take a smallest bag you can. Remember you can also go back to your car and get the tripod or other gear for the firework display later in the night. Take a P&S but having your DSLR is great too. There are many many photo ops there.

My wife was even tired of carrying her small purse that day.

[SoundsGood]

I've been to Disney many, many times. My advice is to take along as little as possible, period.

A dSLR with one lens attached is really all you'll need, in my opinion. Tripod for the fireworks? Forget it. There will be a mob of people looking for the best spot to watch the fireworks, and not much room for a tripod setup. Just watch the fireworks with your eyes and enjoy! :)

[_aravena]

^Or go somewhere else. You can see the fireworks from so far away, I park around and shoot from a remote location. It's easier if you know the surrounding area. :D I love living here.

[gecko3s]

You'll get soaked on the River Rapids ride at Animal Kingdom. ;)





True, but when most people refer to Disney World, theyre refering to the Magic Kingdom....River Rapids has storage though in the center of the raft though, doesn't it? (might not be great storage, but it is a big space, iirc) Thanks for reminding me though!:)

[SoundsGood]

True, but when most people refer to Disney World, theyre refering to the Magic Kingdom....
The OP said they'll be there for 10 days. Let's hope they're not just going to the MK. ;)

River Rapids has storage though in the center of the raft though, doesn't it? (might not be great storage, but it is a big space, iirc)
Yep, but I'd still recommend some kind of plastic bag. It's a pretty tight space (not all camera bags will fit) and usually fills up fast.

[Familiaphoto]

Disney is a great opportunity for pics, I always take my DSLR and even a tripod. Now I only take the tripod when setting myself up to take fireworks. There are some great spots you can steak out and get great shots. Below is a fireworks shot I got at Epcot back in August. I'm going there later this month and I will take my tripod I want a fireworks shot at MK by the castle.

Oh, when I I bring the tripod, and I don't unless I know I am taking fireworks shots, I rent a stroller and carry it in there. People look at me weird, but my back doesn't hurt and that is the most important thing.

http://familiaphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p848390383-4.jpg

Oh, here are the spots I shoot fireworks from when I'm at Disney.

Magic Kingdom:

Approaching Cinderella's castle walking up main street go to the right of it as if you are walking to Tomorrow Land. As you make the turn immediately to the left is a Kodak Picture spot. About 45 min prior to the fireworks the Disney potog will leave and you can walk up to this fence and setup with you tripod. I was there two nights and not many people came up to the area, seems pretty unknown to watch them. Some people will hop the fence after the parade is done, but they don't stay. Each night I was there only one family was next to me, plenty of room for that.

With my 17-55 IS I could frame the fireworks with the castle on the left and trees below if I wanted and still got all the action. Very nice location.

Epcot:

Go into Italy and you'll find a small Italian style bridge. Pick a spot anywhere on this bridge and you'll be all set. People don't go on to it until right before the actions begins so you'll be left alone to setup. There is an alcove right below it that would also be a great vantage spot but that is where most people hang out and in my opinion it is no better than the bridge and you won't have to fight for real estate.

[tmonatr]

In regards to the water rides, the 200AW has a weatherproof cover you can pull out of the bottom. How WATERPROOF it is, I don't know. But it would be better than nothing, though not as good as a waterproof bag.